About
The Harbor House Inn stands as a unique piece of California history, blending with the rugged Mendocino Coast. Aside from its bird's-eye view of the Pacific, this Michelin-starred eatery is renowned for its coastal-cuisine tasting menu Thursday-Monday evenings.
The story began in 1916, when the Goodyear Redwood Company decided to build a showcase home highlighting the strength and natural beauty of redwood. The company hired acclaimed architect Louis Christian Mullgardt to bring this vision to life.
Mullgardt designed the building as a private home for the company's superintendent. He used old-growth redwood for everything from the support beams to the elegant interior paneling. When construction wrapped up in 1916, the home quickly became a symbol of local progress and prosperity.
Over the years, new owners took great care to preserve the location's original architecture. In 2005, a major restoration updated the amenities but honored Mullgardt's initial design, ensuring the Inn remained true to its roots.
In 2018, Chef Matthew Kammerer joined the team and introduced a new kitchen philosophy. Utilizing the onsite garden and sourcing from local farmers and fishermen, he crafted an eatery that served stellar cuisine while being an environmental steward.
His leadership led to national and international acclaim, including Michelin stars that mark the restaurant as one of California's finest coastal destinations.
Vibe
When you pull up to the Inn, the building and location will take your breath away. This Craftsman-style structure, built from old-growth redwood, is perched high on a bluff, offering clear views of the Pacific, seastacks, and rugged cliffs. You'll also spot the surrounding gardens full of edible herbs and flowers that appear on the Inn's menu.
Inside, redwood paneling and big stone fireplaces add elegance and warmth to the room. The decor blends vintage touches and modern comfort in the 20-seat dining room. Here, the furniture is stylish yet functional, accentuating the natural wood. The expansive windows frame the ever-changing ocean, connecting diners to Mendocino's Coast.
The ambiance makes Harbor House Inn a fitting choice for a Northern California escape or after a day on the rails with The Skunk Train.
Harbor House Inn: Menu & Drinks
Travelers from far and wide make the short drive south from Mendocino to savor Chef Matthew Kammerer's creations. The Full Experience menu is a prix-fixe, 6–7-dish, family-style meal. While the offerings change with what's available, rest assured that no matter when you dine, you'll sample the region's best.
The Sea & Land sets the stage for what's to come. This scrumptious serving showcases Rockfish with tomato, Maitake mushroom fried and infused with smoked butter, and purple sea urchin. Also on the plate are Bluefin tuna infused with calendula smoke, cucumber with red abalone, and koshihikari rice with a sauce of abalone offal. Such offerings are the perfect ending to a day of hiking at nearby Jug Handle State Natural Reserve.
The main course is the pinnacle of your epicurean journey. Standouts include black cod smoked over bay laurel, fava, and potato seeded sourdough bread, cultured sea lettuce butter,
Devil's Gulch squab (young, unfledged pigeon), and trumpet mushrooms. The combination of flavors and textures, coupled with the extraordinary ocean views, promises to be a meal you'll not soon forget!
Regarding the bread, it's made onsite, and the sourdough is fermented with seawater from the cove. The homemade butter is seasoned with sea lettuce, elevating the bread's taste.
Drinks at Harbor House Inn match the food in quality and creativity. You may select a handmade sake cup before dining, adding authenticity to your drink experience. You'll also find craft cocktails made with ingredients from the onsite gardens. Wines sourced from Anderson Valley Wine Country ensure your glass reflects the local flavor, too.
Harbor House Inn takes fine dining to a whole new level. Here, Northern California's rugged coastline melds with artisan fare, making for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.
Local Tips
- Reserve tables months in advance! With only 20 tables, this popular destination fills quickly.
- The lunch tasting menu offers a world-class cuisine at a reduced cost.
- Book an overnight stay to receive a complimentary gourmet breakfast.
- Arrive thirty minutes early to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the ocean-view gardens.
- Inform the kitchen of dietary restrictions when booking to avoid delays.
